Meyer Lemon Ricotta Muffins

After making these pizzas, I had some leftover ricotta cheese that I wanted to make something with. I debated between several different options, but finally decided on these lemon ricotta muffins by Giada De Laurentis. I made them Sunday morning because Nick's mom was in town for Warner and Colleen's wedding, and we were running low on breakfast options! I tried one later that afternoon, and WOW. I really, really liked them. I was kind of hoping I wouldn't because they aren't particularly healthy, but I couldn't help it- I ate two!

They have such a light and fluffy texture with a mild but delicious flavor! I am not the biggest fan of almond extract because I feel like it can be strong and overpowering, but this is not the case in these muffins. It is very subtle, and I am glad I didn't leave it out or substitute it. I will definitely be making these in the future and probably experimenting with them to come up with a healthier version!

Meyer Lemon Ricotta Muffins (adapted from Giada De Laurentis)
Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar or more as needed for sprinkling
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• Juice from 2 lemons
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced almonds

Directions

Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl to blend. Using an electric mixer, beat 1 cup sugar, butter, and lemon zest in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the ricotta. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and almond extract. Add the dry ingredients and stir just until blended (the batter will be thick and fluffy).

Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle the almonds and then the remaining 1 teaspoon of sugar over the muffins. Bake until the muffins just become pale golden on top, about 18-20 minutes.